Honda Unveils Business Jet Capable of Auto Landing and Record Air Miles

HondaJet's newest model completes the HondaJet 420 series.

With the recent addition of the HondaJet Elite II, Honda Motors updates its lineup of business aircraft. According to reports, the new luxurious aircraft can fly farther than past iterations and will have smart features like emergency autolanding and other technologies that aid pilots. HondaJet's newest model completes the HondaJet 420 series.

About the HondaJet Elite II

Honda Aircraft revealed on Monday, Oct. 17 that the HondaJet Elite II will have a maximum range of 2,865 kilometers, increasing the distance by 204 kilometers.

According to Nikkei Asia, a model of the new HondaJet is on display at the National Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, which opened shortly after the jet's debut in Florida. The plane has a larger fuel tank, which raises the maximum takeoff weight to 5,035 kilograms.

It had a stealthy profile thanks to its red side stripes and black paint scheme. Its cabin has been completely redesigned, and two new, opulent-looking interior options, Onyx and Steel, have been added. To make the interior smoother, the Honda engineering team reportedly upgraded the building's acoustics.

As per AVWeb, the Elite II will come complete with autothrottles beginning with deliveries in the first half of 2023 and a Garmin Emergency AutoLand for deliveries in the second half of 2023. It will also have a new palette and interior.

"Through the HondaJet, we hope to redefine the concept of the light business jet once more," Honda Aircraft President Hideto Yamasaki informed Nikkei Asia. "Going forward, we'll take on the challenge of researching, developing, and introducing new automated technology."

A Superior Version

The HondaJet Elite II reinvents what it means to be a very light jet thanks to Honda Aircraft Company's relentless focus on innovation. HondaJet can now reach more locations with the Elite II's increased range of 1,547 nm while continuing to be the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its class.

Honda modified the airframe's aerodynamics and increased fuel capacity to support the range increase, while increasing the gross weight by 200 pounds. Despite its heavier weight, it also has ground spoilers, which improve takeoff and landing performance.

Despite these improvements, the HondaJet Elite II continues to be significantly more fuel efficient and emits less greenhouse gas than any other twin-engine business jet of comparable size.

AviationWeek tells us that Honda top officials expect FAA certification for the Elite II to be imminent, and several aircraft are currently in the building process. It will have a price tag of $6.95 million. The first deliveries will happen in November.

What's Next?

Following Robb Report, Honda's upcoming project will be the 2600, a concept that was recently unveiled with a full-size mockup last year. The HondaJet configuration would be extended from its current 42.6 to 57.8 feet, making it the single-pilot business aircraft with the longest range. A deadline for the 2600's certification has not been disclosed by Honda officials.

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